Himachal, UNDP sign pact for climate-resilient growth
Shimla, June 5
The Himachal Pradesh government and the United Nations Development Programme on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding to advance climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development in the state.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu. State Secretary (Environment) Sushil Singla signed the pact on behalf of the government, while Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, signed on behalf of the UNDP.
The partnership envisages collaboration in key areas such as circular economy, waste management, social inclusion of waste management workers, electric mobility for waste collection, and other climate-resilient development priorities.
The pact also covers natural resource management and biodiversity conservation, including landscape restoration, ecosystem-based adaptation, nature-based solutions, biodiversity-linked sustainable livelihoods for local communities, protection of critical habitats and biodiversity corridors, and strengthening of regulatory and governance frameworks for ecological resilience in climate-vulnerable regions of the state.
In addition, the partnership will promote gender-responsive, socially inclusive development by ensuring the participation of women, marginalised communities, and informal workers in planning and implementation.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sukhu said the agreement would enable the state to integrate global best practices with local solutions to protect its fragile Himalayan ecology while creating sustainable green livelihood opportunities for its people.
He expressed confidence that the collaboration would accelerate the state's progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Chief Minister said the pact aligns with the government's vision of transforming Himachal Pradesh into a "Green Energy" state and a model for sustainable development in the Himalayan region.
He added that the partnership would focus on knowledge exchange, capacity building, the implementation of pilot projects, and the mobilisation of climate finance to support long-term environmental and developmental goals.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the Safai Mitra Scheme, aimed at empowering informal waste management workers across the state. He said sanitation and waste workers play a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and environmental sustainability through their invaluable services to society.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's heartening to see state governments collaborating with international bodies like UNDP. The Safai Mitra Scheme for empowering informal waste workers is a thoughtful addition. Hope this translates into real, on-ground changes for local communities.
Good to see focus on electric mobility for waste collection and circular economy. But I hope this isn't just another MoU signing ceremony with little follow-up. The real test will be in implementation and how it benefits the daily lives of people in remote Himachal villages.
As someone from Himachal, this is welcome news. Our hills are already feeling the effects of climate change - erratic rainfall, landslides, and melting glaciers are real threats. The UNDP partnership could bring the technical expertise we need. Just hope the benefits reach the actual villagers and not just stay in Shimla offices.
The emphasis on gender-responsive development and inclusion of informal workers is praiseworthy. Women in Himalayan communities play a key role in natural resource management. It's time their contributions were formally recognized in such climate projects. 👍
Interesting to see this focus on "Green Energy" state vision for Himachal. Hope that includes careful management of hydropower projects which have caused environmental damage in the past. True sustainability means balancing development with ecological preservation.
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